Willis admits she briefly enjoyed a more comfortable moment when preliminary Budget forecasts arrived early and looked good. Earlier this year, Willis promised her third Budget would focus on supporting the delivery of core public services like healthcare, education, defence and law and order. But the political reality remains: whatever Willis delivers on Budget Day will be read as a confidence test in the Government’s economic management. Willis describes a “Maslow’s hierarchy of needs” for economic security. At the base is fuel security: ensuring New Zealand can secure enough petrol, diesel and jet fuel, and spotting emerging shortages early.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 14, 2026 02:01 UTC